Chapter 2: The Clock is Ticking, Will He Save Her?

Kaito was usually calm, but now, a wave of anxiety washed over him. His heart raced, thumping against his chest, loud enough that he feared others might hear it.

He could have called Mina right away. He could have gone up to her. But instead, he felt drawn to stay hidden and watch. A father's worry grew for the man with his daughter.

Thankfully, they didn't see him yet. They were far away, surrounded by busy people. Soon, they walked into a narrow alley, disappearing from view.

Where were they headed? This wasn't the way to their house or to the bus stop.

In the alley, Kaito spotted other men who seemed familiar with the man with Mina. That man paused, laughing with them. Was he a local? Did he know these guys well?

As they walked down a tight path, Kaito kept to the shadows to avoid being noticed. He edged closer and heard the men laughing and puffing on their cigarettes.

"Ryo really is something else, huh? I'm impressed! Last week, he was with a different woman. She was so hot, dressed so sexy! Now he's with a college girl. So fresh! Different every week!" The chubby man said.

Kaito gasped at their words and slowed down his steps to catch more of their talk.

"I don't understand how he gets girls. He's not even good-looking! That girl last week was a waste, I liked her. She was hot, big boobies. But with Ryo, he makes sure no one else gets his scraps. Only the ground does!" replied a guy with green hair.

Kaito felt frozen at their words. What did they mean? "Ryo makes sure these girls have a good time before they reach heaven for real!"

"If that's true!" The men roared with laughter once more.

His heart pounded heavily, making it hard to breathe. Even in the cold, he felt like he was in the desert, his sweat sticking to him.

He wasn't a young, but he wasn't blind to what the men were trying to say. In short, that man was doing something bad to the women who were with him. And now, his precious daughter was with him!

If Ryo was with another woman last week, why was Mina with him now? Did they only meet recently? But Mina never talks to strangers. She isn't the type to trust someone that quickly. Who is this Ryo in her life?

His fist tightened. He had to save his daughter from that man!

The men caught sight of him eavesdropping and eyed him with suspicion. They marched over, grabbed his long-sleeved shirt. "Hey, old man. What do you want? Why are you here? Were you listening to us?" the chubby man shouted angrily.

He swallowed, his throat dry. He couldn't let them find out why he was there, and he couldn't stay any longer or he might lose track of his daughter.

Putting on an innocent face, he raised both hands. "I-I just wanted to ask something, but I'm too shy…" he mumbled, stealing another glance at Mina and the man beside her.

Inside, he desperately hoped the men wouldn't start a fight. They sure looked like trouble.

Their eyebrows shot up, and they exchanged glances. "What is it? And there's a fee for each question you ask."

What could he say that wouldn't make them suspect he was watching Mina and Ryo?

He scratched his head, looking sheepish. "Uh… well… I was hoping to spend the night with a woman. Do you know a place that, you know…" he trailed off, embarrassment washing over him. He had never done anything like this before.

But it was better for them to think that was his plan than to think he was following the two of them.

They seemed to buy it, glancing at each other before laughing. "You're something else, old man! After work, you want a woman. It sure is relaxing." One of them slung an arm around his shoulder, and he winced at the weight.

They pointed to a building close by. "See that one? They've got women there. Affordable. You can handle it."

"Oh, um, th-thank you," he stammered, ready to leave when they grabbed his collar once more.

"Not so fast. Where's the money?"

Worried, he glanced again at Mina and the man with her. They were about to disappear from his sight. He needed to catch up!

Kaito hesitated, counting his bills. With a sigh, he pulled out a worn twenty-dollar bill and handed it to the men.

The men looked at the cash and frowned. "So cheap! Just twenty bucks? You want a woman, but you're real stingy," grumbled the chubby guy.

"Let the old man be. That'll buy some smokes, too," another man chimed in.

"Okay then, you can go now!"

Kaito turned away quickly, his heart racing as he followed Mina and the man. He sensed danger, and he wouldn't let it happen.

He always protected her, dreaming she'd find a good man who would care for her. No way would he let her life be ruined by a man like that!

"Mina, please see who you're with! God, help me save my daughter!" he whispered in a silent prayer.

His heart sank as he watched them walk into the motel the men had mentioned. Anger flared up inside him.

He was right!

How could she be so foolish? Why did she follow him so easily? It looked as if his naive daughter wanted to go with him.

His anger pushed him forward as he dashed into the motel after them. But he lost them in the lobby and hurried to the receptionist.

"Miss, what room did you give those two? The girl in the uniform? Why are you letting students inside here?" he asked in a rushed, angry voice.

The receptionist looked startled. "Sir, who are you? We can't share about other guests. We respect their privacy. And she isn't a minor," she said firmly.

He slammed his fist on the desk, fuming. "Tell me their room number! Either you tell me or I'll call the cops! That girl is my daughter! That man will hurt her!"

The staff shook their head. "Sir, you're bothering other guests. Please leave. I'll call the police to escort you out."

In disbelief, he stared at her. "What kind of place is this? You're going to let that man put my daughter's life at risk? I'm her father, see!"

He hurriedly pulled out his identification card from his wallet and showed it to her. "You can see we have the same last name; I'm her father! I have the right to get her out of danger!" he shouted, losing control.

The receptionist's expression suddenly grew serious. "Are you really not going to leave, sir?"

The air grew tense. Kaito sensed a change. Customers in the lobby rose from their seats. Big, tough men loomed, some with visible weapons. All eyes turned towards him, and a few men cracked their knuckles.

He swallowed hard, fear gripping him. What kind of place is this? A syndicate? Were these men part of Ryo's gang? Had they set up his daughter?

Then it hit him. Or was he the one those men set up earlier?!

His heart pounded, fear coursing through him for himself and for Mina, as if it would burst from his chest.

"Are you really not leaving, sir?" the receptionist repeated, looking more unsettling to him.

Worn out, he took a step back, out of the motel. Weakened, he thought of his precious daughter in danger. He couldn't let himself feel weak or give up. Mina was his everything. If she was at risk, he wouldn't survive. He loved her deeply.

Once outside, the street was empty. He feigned walking away, putting distance between himself and the motel while knowing he couldn't wait. Every second was crucial.

He fumbled for his cellphone, ready to call 9-1-1. Frustration surged when he realized there was no signal. What the hell? In the city, surrounded by people—how was there no signal?

He shoved the cellphone back into his pocket. He couldn't shout for help. This was Ryo's territory, and he knew it.

Thoughts raced as he spotted a fire exit staircase beside the motel. The tall building's stairs looked shaky, but he had to save his daughter. The rooftop was his only way in, with all floors blocked off.

In the midst of it all, a gunshot rang out. He gasped, panic setting in. "Mina!"

He scrambled up the fire escape stairs, heart racing. He prayed it wasn't too late. Was Mina truly in danger?